SWPPX vs VFIAX
Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund vs Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
SWPPX has a lower expense ratio. SWPPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFIAX offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWPPX | VFIAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $150.5B | $677.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 503 | 506 | |
| YTD Return | +12.75% | +12.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.27% | +19.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -33.95% | +20.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -22.24% | +11.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.5% | 15.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.7% | -25.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 1997 | Nov 13, 2000 |
SWPPX vs VFIAX Performance
Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) is a mutual fund from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class (VFIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWPPX returned +19.27% while VFIAX returned +19.19%. Year to date, SWPPX is up 12.75% versus a gain of 12.05% for VFIAX.
Over three years, SWPPX compounded at -33.95% per year against +20.12% for VFIAX; over five years the annualized figures are -22.24% and +11.22% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VFIAX has the edge at +11.22% annualized vs -22.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWPPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.5% compared with 15.7% for VFIAX. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.7% for SWPPX and -25.4% for VFIAX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWPPX charges 0.02% per year while VFIAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SWPPX currently yields 1.01% against 1.06% for VFIAX.
Holdings Overlap
SWPPX and VFIAX share 495 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 91.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SWPPX or VFIAX?
SWPPX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VFIAX charges 0.04%. SWPPX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWPPX or VFIAX?
Over the past year SWPPX returned +19.27% vs +19.19% for VFIAX, so SWPPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SWPPX annualized -22.24% vs +11.22% for VFIAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWPPX or VFIAX?
SWPPX has been the more volatile fund at 40.5% annualized versus 15.7% for VFIAX. Worst drawdown: SWPPX -83.7% vs VFIAX -25.4%.
Should I hold both SWPPX and VFIAX?
SWPPX and VFIAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWPPX and VFIAX?
SWPPX and VFIAX share 495 common holdings with a 91.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWPPX or VFIAX?
SWPPX yields 1.01% while VFIAX yields 1.06%, so VFIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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